Attachment 1 - RCOH Fire Watch Strategy RCOH-055.pdf

RCOH-055

HOT WORK and FIRE WATCH STRATEGY REV G

RECORD OF REVISIONS

REV DATE DESCRIPTION OF REVISION

- 7/14/11 Initial Issue A 4/26/13 Removed the number of radios and the requirement for SF to create a separate time card entry in SFIMS B 10/22/14 Adjusted amount of SF Personnel for Fire Watch organization

Added SF Fire Watch certification identification and time card for better Fire Watch management Adjusted Fire Watch Coordinators location

C 4/1/2017 Inclusion of additional Lessons learned Updated references Use of Third Party Contractor to Augment SF Expanded training plan Further defined audit methodology SF Fire Watch Organization

D Updated Paragraph 5.1.3 note 2 and Paragraph 5.4.2 E 10/20/2017 Updated Paragraph 5.3.2 HII-NNS Hot Worker Trade Supervisor

Training F 2/8/18 Added Rock Grinding to High Risk Hot Work

*NOTE: THIS STRATEGY IS NOT INTENDED TO SUPERSEDE ANY HUNTINGTON INGALLS

INDUSTRIES-NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING (HII-NNS) OR SHIPS FORCE (SF) RESPONSIBILITIES, THE CONTRACT, OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. Any conflicts between this strategy and other documents are to be identified to all parties involved in this matter as soon as practical. This strategy will be reviewed on a yearly basis for updates/changes.

REFERENCES:

(a) Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) Fire Prevention and Control Manual

(b) NAVSEA Standard Item 009-07; Confined Space Entry, Certification, Fire Prevention and Housekeeping

(c) Title 29 CFR 1915, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration Standards for Shipyard Employment

(d) Newport News Health and Safety Manual

(e) OPNAVINST 5100.19F NAVOSH Program Manual for Forces Afloat

(f) Naval Ship’s Technical Manual, NAVSEA S0986-CH-STM-030/CH-074 V3, Gas Free Engineering.

(g) RCOH Handbook, January 2021

ENCLOSURES:

(1) Hot Work Discrepancy Chit (HII-NNS LOE Reporting)

(2) Hot Work Discrepancy Chit (Ship’s Force Reporting)

(3) Required Conditions for not posting a Fire Watch for Low and Medium Risk Hot Work

STRATEGY LEAD: Frank Davis, K45, Fire Marshall

1.0 OVERVIEW:

This document is a strategy for the performance of hot work and associated fire watches that apply to Ship's Force (S-F), HII-NNS, or HII-NNS or GOVT subcontractors during the Refueling Complex Overhaul.

While AIT/CCT’s are discussed in this Strategy, it is primarily as to how SF and HII-NNS are to relate to them. The requirements that AIT/CCT’s will follow in conducting hot work and providing fire watches are those that are in invoked in the contract to include reference (b), the applicable NAVSEA standard item.

2.0 LESSONS LEARNED:

2.1 RCOH is a Unique Environment. In previous availabilities, Hot Work Permits and Fire Watch work practices have led to work delays when differences in requirements are not understood. ( Assigned Fire Watch organization personnel (Third Party/SF) should be become familiar with this instruction and its references and enclosures. HII-NNS hot work and fire watch policies can differ from those normally employed by the ship.

2.2 Proper Jobsite Establishment and Maintenance is Paramount. The principal means of preventing a fire in the first place is establishing and maintaining a safe jobsite; this is the root cause for most fires in an industrial availability. The responsibility of jobsite establishment and maintenance is the hot workers. The Fire Watch shall provide forceful watch team backup if he or she detects a potentially unsafe condition.

A HII-NNS trade supervisor will certify at his or her first jobsite visit that the hot worker has met all hot work requirements and that the hot worker has signed their WIC (work instruction control card) or JAG (job assignment goals) sheet prior to commencement of hot work.

In the event that all safeguards were defeated and a casualty occurs, the assigned fire watch will provide the initial response which is to discharge fire suppressant and then call away the casualty immediately.

2.3 Supervisors, Auditors, and Hot Workers need to have the Right Training.

Based on events aboard CVN-72, HII-NNS developed a rigorous advanced fire safety course to provide training on jobsite establishment, maintenance, and audit. In addition to select HII-NNS personnel attending this training, it is also key for GOVT waterfront leadership such as SF, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News (SUPSHIPNN) project personnel (C152) and safety department personnel (C140) to attend this training so as to be able to better hold hot workers to the required standard.

2.4. Rigorous Audits are Key. In order to maintain standards and keep an appropriate level of enterprise emphasis on fire safety, the joint organization needs to audit continually. At a minimum SF/ SUPSHIPNN /HII-NNS should participate and the audits should endeavor to be unscheduled checks (e.g. fire safety audits should not be announced beforehand). The stakeholder set of HII-NNS, SF, SUPSHIPNN, CNAL, and various PARMS will get the level of fire safety that they demand and inspect to.

3.0 HOT WORK STRATEGY

This section specifies how HII-NNS and the Fire Watch Organization will work together to manage and conduct safe hot work during RCOH. In addition to describing how to safely conduct hot work in a shipyard environment, this strategy has the secondary purposes of:

1) Ensuring any charges made by HII-NNS to the Level of Effort (LOE) contract for supplying their own fire watches are documented and justified.

2) Providing both fire watch organization personnel and HII-NNS hot workers with sufficient tools and instructions to ensure that the logistical challenges of matching up fire watches with hot workers are minimized.

Early communication of this strategy between HII-NNS, SUPSHIPNN, and SF is pivotal to the successful coordination of hot work during the RCOH. HII-NNS policies and procedures for hot work shall go into effect at the beginning of the Smart Start work period (A-4).

This strategy provides overall background of the program and definitions. The Enclosures provide forms and instructions for the day to day execution of the program as discussed below.

3.1 Fire Safety during Shipyard Availabilities

Shipboard fires are a concern at all times, but the likelihood of a fire increases during shipyard availabilities because of the high number of activities involving hot work. Poorly executed hot work increases the risk of fire. Effective communication between the Ship and Maintenance Activity and between the hot worker, fire watch, and their supervisors can help lower the risk of fires.

Establishing and maintaining a safe jobsite is the best defense against shipboard fires. All parties involved must be properly trained on hot work and fire watch requirements, personnel protective equipment (PPE) requirements, fire reporting procedures, and safety equipment operation in order to ensure that all hot work jobs have the proper oversight.

3.2 Programmatic Framework

To maximize safety and reduce liability, HII-NNS will provide its own fire watches per the contract for all HII-NNS work that is deemed high risk. In order to contain costs, and to prevent tying up skilled HII-NNS craftsmen in hot work that could cause schedule delays, all low and medium risk fire watches are screened to more cost efficient maintenance providers as administered by the Fire Watch organization.

3.2.1 HII-NNS Work. All high risk, aloft, nuclear, confined space, and in dock work is screened to HII-NNS via the applicable support SWLIN. For all other hot work requirements, HII-NNS should request coverage from the Fire Watch organization. The LOE is to be used when the Fire Watch organization is unable to provide a fire watch.

3.2.2 Fire Watch organization. The Fire Watch organization will endeavor to execute all HII-NNS low and medium risk hot work. As SF manning is generally insufficient to meet the demand signal of HII-NNS hot work, the GOVT will assign a Third party contractor to be the primary fire watch organization, the SF fire watch division shall augment Third party contractors as required.

3.2.3. A Note on AIT/CCT Hot Work. While HII-NNS has the majority of the overall work package and hence will be executing most of the hot work during the RCOH, various AIT/CCTs will be conducting hot work throughout the availability.

The AIT/CCT will provide qualified Fire Watches IAW reference (b). While no SF or HII-NNS fire watches will be set for AIT/CCT work, their jobsites will need to be audited for safety IAW reference (b).

3.3 Fire Watch Organization

Per reference (f), the RCOH handbook, the Fire Watch organization will be composed of 120 personnel in execution and a minimum of 30 personnel during Smart Start totaling to a minimum of 270,000 man hours of fire watch stood.

Staffing levels can be adjusted based on amount of hot work being performed at a given point in the RCOH. The NSA will organize its Fire Watch organization to meet requirements as it sees fit. This strategy, however, recommends that the ships force augmented Fire Watch division be manned and led outside of engineering department. It is recommend that the engineering department should focus on auditing all hot work (and fire watches) and not production (e.g. the day to day management of the Fire Watch Division. The idea is for the Damage Control (DC) organization to build a technically competent group that is capable of training its SF fire watches and auditing and maintaining standards throughout the ship on a continual basis. If it is desired to keep the Fire Watch Division inside the Engineering Department, then a hybrid model should be considered that would look to employ a non-engineer in a DIVO/LCPO role that would report to the DCA/FM (this frees key Engineering Dept. personnel from day to day management demands but keeps accountability and authority of the division inside the Engineering Department).

Whatever organizational model is settled on, it cannot be overstressed that with such a diverse labor pool of hot workers (and supporting fire watches) the key to maintaining consistent standards across the ship over the 4+ year availability is a rigorous and continuous audit program.

Staffing levels for shifts should ultimately be based on the demand signal for HII- NNS fire watches. In order to ensure maximum coverage it is incumbent on the Fire Watch organization to adjust the watch bill as necessary to match the expected hot work requirements as they develop. As a general expectation, the below is offered as baseline staffing model:

Monday – Friday day shift (0600 – 1530): Cover 80 fire watches

Monday – Friday second shift (1500 – 2400): Cover 20 fire watches

Monday – Friday third shift (2300 – 0700): As needed basis

Saturday – Sunday day shift and second shift: As needed basis

It is the responsibility of the NSA to manage the end strength of the Fire Watch organization. Based on previous ships it is recommend that SF assign personnel to the Fire Watch organization for a target of 6 months and preferably no longer than 12 months at a time. Short stints in Fire Watch organization will induce significant turnover and will make consistent performance more difficult. Very long tours in Fire Watch organization may not be advisable for the welfare of the individual sailor. Previous ships have managed the process by assigning each department a set number of personnel to provide to the Fire Watch organization.

Personnel would not be released from their fire watch assignment until their parent division provides a qualified relief. Personnel assigned to the Fire Watch organization who transfer or separate before their 6 month assignment period is completed will require a qualified relief 14 days prior to transfer or separation. SF assigned to the Fire Watch organization will not be assigned to other watches or be members of the Inport Emergency Team.

3.4 Use of Third Party Contractors as Fire Watches

The GOVT will contract for the primary Fire Watch Organization (Third Party.)

Additional fire watches will be augmented by SF Fire Watch personnel as necessary. As the requirements of the availability change this pool of both contractors and ships force may be increased or decreased at GOVT discretion to maintain LOE expenditures as low as possible.

PMS312 will contract for the Third Party fire watches as necessary and provide an OSIC either via an onsite PMS312 representative or by screening the work to a PARM (Participating Acquisition Resource Manager). SUPSHIPNN as the availability NSA (Naval Supervisory Activity) will not fulfill the OSIC role.

The training for any Third Party contractors will be written into the applicable contract.

3.5 Fire Watch Program Logistics

The size and layout of a CVN, coupled with limited communications capabilities of the individual hot workers and fire watches make it absolutely imperative that this strategy clearly lays out the process for linking up fire watches with their assigned hot workers. Hot workers and hot work supervisors should know how and where to locate fire watches and fire watch coordinators, and Fire Watch organization personnel should know how and where to locate hot workers and hot work supervisors.

3.5.1 Fire Watch Organization Spaces

The Fire Watch organization work center will be located in Ready Room 8 (03-230-0-L) or a similarly suitable location as designated by SF and the NSA. This space will be manned by the Third Party Fire watch coordinator and/or SF LPO any time there are personnel assigned to fire watches. Any fire watches or fire watch coordinators that are on duty and unassigned, and not at one of the pre-designated meeting locations, will be stationed in the Fire Watch organization spaces ready for dispatch.

3.5.2 Linking Fire Watches with Hot Workers

The beginning of each shift, and the time period immediately following lunch are critical periods for ensuring that planned work is executed smoothly and efficiently. In order for hot workers to start their jobs on time, they must have a fire watch at the work site. This will only happen if the following conditions are met:

The NSA, OSIC and Third Party Fire Watch Program Manager shall identify a central fire watch issue location (typically hangar bay.) This location will be manned from 0715-0800 and 1230-1315 daily. This area will be manned by a Third Party Fire Watch Coordinator. The coordinator will be assigned a radio and communicate requirements to the fire watch work space. As hot work operators arrive, fire watches will be requested and dispatched. Upon arrival, Fire Watch time sheets will be filled out and fire watches will be assigned to the Hot work operator. After peak times and during 2nd shift and weekends, fire watches will be requested from the Fire Watch work center.

Fire watches receive individual assignments detailing which jobs they will support during their shift.

Fire watch coordinators and additional fire watches are readily accessible to cover any additional work or to cover for no-shows.

Arrangements are made between the fire watch and hot worker for meal breaks so that each party agrees to a time and location to resume hot work. [Note: HII-NNS break times for first and second shift are 1200-1230 and 2000-2030 respectively. Fire watches should adjust their schedules accordingly.]

3.5.3 Supervisory Coordination

In order to maximize the utilization of fire watches and quickly resolve problems in the field, the Fire Watch organization will dispatch fire watch coordinators to conduct periodic surveillances. The fire watch coordinators are tasked with monitoring hot work locations and ensuring that fire watches are correctly posted, attentive and properly equipped.

Additionally, a hot worker or hot work supervisor can always contact the Fire Watch work space and request a fire watch.

3.6 Reporting and Documentation Requirements

As discussed above, there are logistical challenges associated with the CVN RCOH environment. Fire watches, hot workers, and their supervisors must all adhere to the procedures outlined above to maximize utilization of fire watches which will in turn minimize cost overruns. The information in this section will be used to create an audit trail to document coverage of each hot work job, to provide a process for both fire watches and HII-NNS workers to report instances where the process breaks down and fire watches are unable to cover their assigned hot work jobs and forecast requirements for both S/F and HII-NNS.

3.6.1 Fire Watch Time Card

The Fire Watch Coordinator will issue each fire watch a hot work time sheet; (see enclosure 2) prior to sending them to their assigned hot work site. The audit sheet should contain the following information:

Space number(s) where hot work is to be performed

Requesting HII-NNS department trade number

Requesting HII-NNS foreman’s name

When the fire watch arrives at the hot work site the responsible HII-NNS supervisor or hot worker will sign the time sheet and write down the fire watch’s arrival time. Other information such as break times and job status (e.g. CANX, MOVED, RELIEF) should also be noted on the audit sheet.

At the completion of hot work, when the HII-NNS supervisor or hot worker has certified that a fire watch is no longer needed per the cool down requirements, they will again sign or initial the audit sheet and write down the fire watch’s departure time. The fire watch is responsible for returning completed audit sheets to the fire watch supervisor in the Fire Watch work center.

Fire watches shall always carry blank audit sheets with them as they may be re-assigned to another location during their shift.

3.6.2 Process for Reporting and Correcting Fire Watch Issues

When the SF fire watch does not show up at their assigned hot work location, production work can be delayed. Hot work supervisors should first attempt to find a replacement fire watch by contacting a fire watch coordinator or by contacting the Fire Watch work center. If the Fire Watch organization is unable to provide a fire watch then HII-NNS shall provide their own fire watch, which will result in a charge to the fire watch Level of Effort (LOE) contract. Any charges to the fire watch LOE should be documented as follows.

HII-NNS supervisors are responsible for:

Filling out Hot Work LOE chit (enclosure 1), found in the enclosures, and providing a copy to the Fire Watch organization any time absence of the fire watch results in assignment of an HII-NNS fire watch and a charge to the fire watch LOE contract.

Notifying the X18 Fire Marshall and/or X18 General Foreman of any time that is charged to the fire watch LOE for any reason.

X18 is responsible for:

Compiling all copies of Enclosure 1 that have been filed on a daily basis

Providing weekly fire watch LOE metrics to SUPSHIPNN C152

Assisting the Fire Watch organization Program Manager and fire watch coordinators in resolving any issues with the HII-NNS hot work supervisors

As discussed in Section 3.5.3, SF fire watch coordinators shall be available to assist HII-NNS hot work supervisors in resolving issues as soon as they occur.

3.6.3 Process for Reporting and Correcting Hot Worker Issues

If a SF fire watch reports to their designated hot work location and the hot worker is not present, this should be reported using Enclosure 2 (SF Fire Watch Time Card). This reporting provides the Fire Watch organization personnel with some recourse when hot workers do not show up as scheduled.

3.6.4 Forecast Requirement

Provide a 3 month projection monthly for all HII-NNS Non-Nuclear fire watch requirements. This will include an estimate number of fire watches, hours per day, broken out for each classification of risk level (i.e, low, medium, high) and the provider (HII-NNS provided or Ship’s Force Fire Watch organization (SF/Third Party))

4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 HII-NNS and HII-NNS Subcontractors

4.1.1 Approval and Notification of Hot Work

The HII-NNS Welding Department (X18) is responsible for authorizing and controlling all hot and cold work operations during the RCOH in accordance with HII-NNS Fire Prevention and Control Manual, reference (a). X18 will approve all hot work requests and compile a tracking list daily of hot work to be performed on each shift. X18 will distribute the hot work list for first shift by 1500 the day before work is scheduled to start at the latest. Second and third shift hot work lists will be distributed not later than noon each day. Any issues with the hot work list should be addressed by the HII-NNS Safety Administrator and the SF Fire Marshall as they arise. The hot work list shall contain the following information:

Work permit number (as applicable)

Location

Type of hot work

Trade and Requestor

Time

4.1.2 Notification for Fire Watch Requirement

It is imperative that HII-NNS notify the Fire Watch organization of its hot work requirements to enable effective labor resourcing of Fire Watch personnel (both sailors and Third party contractors).

At the establishment of Fire Watch organization at A-4, X-18 will provide SUPSHIPNN C152 a projection for F/W requirements for the entire availability. This projection (man-hours per day) will be updated by X-18 monthly. The long range plan is to be used for long term labor resourcing (SF and Third party contractors as necessary).

For final assignment of fire watch, X18 will provide the Fire Watch organization with a list of any hot work jobs that require a fire watch per reference (a). These lists will also be distributed by 1500 the day before for first shift jobs, and by noon for second and third shift jobs.

Fire watch responsibilities will be shared by HII-NNS and the Fire watch organization. However, Third Party and Ships Force fire watch personnel use should be maximized before HII-NNS begins using its own fire watches and charging to the fire watch LOE. The fire watch list shall contain the following information:

Work permit number (as applicable)

Work location and time

Meeting location

Number of fire watches required

Any special equipment requirements (e.g. respirators, hose clamps, safety harness, etc.)

POC name and phone number

Trade

4.1.3 HII-NNS Support of the Fire Watch organization

4.1.3.1 Training

HII-NNS will provide fire watch training to a select amount of SF senior management designated as part of the Fire Watch organization or responsible for training Fire Watch organization personnel as well as additional GOVT personnel as designated by the SUPSHIPNN project office to support an effective audit program. Additionally, HII-NNS shall assist SF in developing a shipboard training program for SF fire watches to be administered by SF Engineering Department. See section 5.3.1 for further details.

4.1.3.2 Hotel Services

HII-NNS will provide temporary services in the Fire Watch organization work center spaces in the form of air conditioning, heat, ventilation, LAN drops, office related items, and lighting.

4.1.3.3 Fire Watch Equipage

HII-NNS will provide SF fire watches (and Third party contractors if employed) with shipyard portable fire extinguishers. The Fire Watch organization will store fire extinguishers for daily use, and return them to HII-NNS when an extinguisher has been used in any capacity or when corrective or preventive maintenance is required. The third party contractor and SF will provide additional PPE as required. Some fire watches may require tinted safety glasses. This would be in addition to the normal PPE required for the RCOH environment.

Third Party Contractors who augment SF Fire Watch organization will report with their own PPE per the contract.

4.2 SF / AIT / CCT Hot Work:

The ship’s Fire Marshal or SF Duty Fire Marshall shall coordinate execution of non-HII-NNS hot work with the X-18 Fire Safety Administrator. SF, AITs, and CCTs shall submit hot work permits to the ship’s Fire Marshal, who will provide a consolidated list to the X18 Fire Safety Administrator by 1330 the day prior to the hot work, or by 0900 on Friday for weekend work. The hot work list should contain the following information at a minimum:

Shift number

Compartment number/location

Type of hot work

4.3 General Safety Responsibilities:

All individuals shall exercise due precautions and follow all applicable hot work requirements to assure that operations are performed in a safe manner.

All individuals are held accountable for performing work safely. Any unsafe hot/cold work practice or condition must be reported to the HII-NNS Welding Department (X18) Fire Safety Administrator or HII-NNS Project office or SF Fire Marshal.

5.0 REQUIREMENTS, TRAINING, PROCEDURES, AND DEFINITIONS:

5.1 Requirements for Setting Fire Watches

HII-NNS will utilize fire watch based on the risk profile of the hot work operation. The classification of hot work risk and associated controls are outlined below.

5.1.1 Low Risk Hot Work

Backside

Hot work operations consisting of manual/automatic tig welding, grinding, heating, or brazing. A fire watch must be posted on the backside when heat transfer will discolor or blister paint on the opposite of bulkheads, decks, internal to vent trunks.

Jobsite

A fire watch may not be posted when all requirements of enclosure 3 are met.

HII-NNS will send a daily hot work list which will note in the comment section all spaces where low risk jobs are to be performed the next day. HII-NNS must receive the express written concurrence from the SF Duty Fire Marshal prior to commencing hot work. HII-NNS will provide a daily hot work forecast list submitted by 1500 the day prior to the scheduled work start date, SF will then provide written concurrence or non-concurrence via electronic correspondence by 0700 the following day. SF concurrence will never be assumed or implied ; it must be obtained in writing prior to hot work commencement.

5.1.2 Medium Risk Hot Work

Backside

When performing hot work operations consisting stick, flux core, mig, pulse arc and sub-arc welding processes a fire watch must be posted on the backside when heat, sparks or slag is transferred to the opposite side of bulkheads, decks, and internal to vent trunks.

Jobsite

A fire watch may not be posted to make flat, vertical, and horizontal welds provided that all of the requirements of enclosure 3 are met. Overhead welds always require a fire watch at the jobsite. HII-NNS will send a daily hot work list noting in the comment section all spaces where medium risk jobs are to be performed next day. HII-NNS must receive the express written concurrence from the SF Duty Fire Marshal prior to commencing hot work.

HII-NNS will provide a daily hot work forecast list submitted by 1500 the day prior to the scheduled work start date; SF will provide written concurrence or non-concurrence via electronic correspondence by 0700 the following day. SF concurrence will never be assumed or implied, it must be obtained in writing prior to hot work commencement.

5.1.3 High Risk Hot Work

Hot work operations consisting of rock grinding, carbon arcing, plasma arcing or oxygen fuel burning processes. A fire watch must be posted with the operator. An additional fire watch must be posted on the backside when heat, sparks or slag is transferred to the opposite side of bulkheads, decks, internal to vent trunks.

Note 1: Foreman of hot work operators will be required to attend the advanced fire watch training (Mockup Training) before they can make the determination a fire watch is not required.

Note 2: SF fire watches (and Third party contractors if employed) will only be assigned to low or medium risk hot work operations or as the additional backside fire watch for high risk work when back side posting is not within a tank or confined space, a radiation area or aloft as defined by paragraph 5.2. SF or Third-party fire watch may not be the only fire watch posted for high risk hot work.

5.2 Personnel Safety

The following personnel safety precautions should be followed when conducting hot work.

1. Ventilation: Hot work ventilation must be protected from combustion, have screens installed on the motor intake, and discharge to the open atmosphere. Exhaust ventilation air velocity for hot work at each location where ventilation is required per reference (e)(interior hot work and any special situation as determined by Marine Chemist/GFE/GFET personnel), shall be a minimum of 100 feet per minute when measured from the end of the duct. If smoke or fumes are accumulating in the space, ventilation is inadequate.

2. Hot work near hazardous material (e.g. flammable liquids or gases). The initial inspection and certification for hot work operations in, on or immediately adjacent to fuel tanks and fuel piping must be conducted by HII-NNS and a Certified Marine Chemist.

3. Appropriate PPE must be selected to protect the worker from hazards.

Fire watches in the area will require similar PPE. Gas Welding and Cutting (-e.g. cutting, heating and brazing), Electric Arc Welding ( e.g. stick, mig and tig), and Carbon Arcing or Plasma Arc Cutting may present unique hazards. During the performance of flux core operations use of respirators is mandatory; HII-NNS will identify this requirement in advance. Use of the following PPE will provide protection:

i. Air purifying respirator w/mechanical filter cartridges when required

ii. Safety glasses and dark goggles when required

iii. Long sleeve non-synthetic clothing

iv. Safety shoes w/steel toes

v. Flash gear to include hood and hand protection

4. Fire Watch organization will not stand fire watch where health and safety training above the scope of this strategy is required. Exceptions to this rule (i.e. respiratory protection above an air-purifying w/mechanical filter cartridge) will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the SF Safety Officer and HII-NNS EH&S Department and mutually agreed upon.

5. Third party contractors will stand fire watch in support of low and medium risk hexachrome and cadmium hot work.

6. SF fire watches may be utilized in Engineering/Plant spaces. However they are not to be utilized in the Reactor Compartment or radiation areas of any kind. These exceptions will be covered by HII-NNS.

7. SF (and Third party contractors if employed) shall not cover any confined spaces fire watches.

8. SF (and Third party contractors if employed) shall cover fire watches aloft with staging and guardrails where safety harness is not required.

5.3 Training

5.3.1 Training for the SF DC Organization

The DC Organization to include at a minimum the Chief Engineer, the Damage Control Assistant, the Fire Marshall, all personnel qualified Duty Fire Marshall and all fire watches will attend the HII-NNS administered Fire Protection and Protective Covering (FPPC)safety training course. The FPPC safety training course focuses on understanding the nature of hot work in the shipyard with special emphasis on how to establish, maintain, and audit a safe worksite. It is paramount that the DC organization be subject matter experts if they are to run an effective audit program over all hot work across the ship and maintain standards. Additionally, by attending the FPPC safety training course the DC organization will be better equipped to train Fire Watches.

5.3.2 HII-NNS Hot Worker and Trade Supervisor Training

All HII-NNS X11 (fitters) and X18 (welders) hot workers assigned to RCOH must complete the FPPC safety training course. As X11 and X18 trades will be conducting the majority of the high risk hot work, this training requirement is put in place to reduce risk. Additionally if any trades outside of X11 and X18 performs high risk hot work, the trade supervisor and hot worker must complete the fire safety course prior to authorizing the start of any high risk hot work or make the decision to not post a fire watch at a job site for low and medium risk work per section 5.1.1 and 5.1.2.

5.3.3 Training for the SF Fire Watches

SF DC division is responsible for training its Fire Watches. HII-NNS will assist DC division in developing its training as necessary. All fire watch personnel will be basic DC qualified and attend the HII-NNS administered FPPC safety training course prior to assignment to the Fire Watch organization.

Additionally, all ships force fire-watch personnel will also be qualified in respirator use and trained in hazard communication awareness. Personnel reporting to the Fire Watch organization without a basic DC qualification

(recorded in the ship’s training files) will be returned to their parent division and a suitable replacement will be required.

5.3.4 Training for HII-NNS Fire Watches

All HII-NNS Fire Watches will be trained in fire watch duties and responsibilities and a dated qualification sticker will be affixed to their helmets.

5.3.5 Training for Third Party Contractor Fire Watches

When third party contractor fire watches are employed, their training shall be provided for in the applicable contract. Third party contractor fire watches are required to attend HII-NNS FPPC safety training course.

5.4 Procedures

5.4.1 Basic Responsibilities

A single fire watch may be sufficient for more than one hot work location but not more than (4) provided the fire watch has an unobstructed view of each hot work operation and complies with the other requirements set forth in this strategy and reference (a). In this situation, the fire watch must be capable of responding to a fire and simultaneously stopping other hot work operations.

Each person performing hot work is responsible for taking those actions necessary to prevent a fire.

Qualified fire watches can be identified by their orange hard hat and/or a qualification sticker which shall be affixed to the hard hat.

5.4.2 Preparing for Hot Work

The hot worker is responsible for work site set up. The fire watch will assist, as directed by the hot worker supervisor, with work site set up and maintenance. When the set-up is complete and the area is ready the hot worker will verify there are no discrepancies.

Work site set up includes:

(1) Assuring access to and checking both sides of intersecting bulkheads, compartments, and/or decks for hazardous conditions prior to start of hot work.

(2) Ensure there are not any "No Hot Work" signs in the area and adjacent compartments which would prohibit the start of hot work.

(3) Determining exact location of, and assuring accessibility to, firefighting equipment applicable to the types of fires that may be encountered, and telephones and fire alarms for reporting fires.

Locating emergency exits from the area and making certain they are kept free of obstructions.

(4) Combustibles, HAZMAT, or damageable materials that cannot be moved have been protected by covering them with non-combustible material if hot work must be conducted within 35 feet.

(5) All painted or other finished structures or equipment have been protected and maintained by using fire retardant material (Refrasil), fire screens, metal shielding, or reinforced protective vinyl covering (Herculite or Facilon).

(6) Report the need for additional clean up or ventilation in the area to the immediate supervisor. If hot work could ignite, ensure combustible materials are removed or protected.

(7) Locate manifolds and shut-off valves for all flammable gases that will be used during the hot work operations for the job.

(8) Assure complete understanding of signals to be used, between the fire watch and the hot worker, to ensure immediate cessation of hot work should it become necessary.

(9) Visually inspect the fire extinguisher to ensure it is in working order and appropriate for the hot work location.

5.4.3 Procedures for Fire Watches during the Execution of Hot Work

1. Remain in the area where the hot work operator is conducting hot work and stay in clear view of the hot work.

2. Keep a constant vigil for stray sparks and possible ignition

3. Monitor the work site continuously for combustible material left by other workers and halt any process that could lead to the ignition of combustibles

4. Ensure hazardous materials which include flammable liquids are not brought into the hot work area

5. Be alert for changing conditions and cease hot work should any adverse conditions arise (including ship’s alarms and announcements)

6. Be ready to provide initial firefighting response. Under no conditions shall a fire watch take unreasonable risks to combat a fire or control and emergency incident.

7. At the outbreak of fire, the first action to be taken is signal the hot work operator to cease hot work and then to attempt to extinguish the fire if it is within the capacity of available equipment and within the fire watch's training qualifications as outlined in Section E of reference (a).

8. If the fire is beyond the incipient stage (meaning the fire watch cannot safely put it out), the immediate action is to notify all personnel to evacuate and report the fire by notifying the Quarterdeck by phone or by radio (or in person if remote communications are not successful).

9. Direct or provide direction to the Inport Emergency Team personnel on the location of the fire, and assist as directed.

5.4.4 Procedures Following Completion of Hot Work

1. After the hot worker and the fire watch have completed a survey of the hot work site and both agree that no danger of fire exists including risk of heat transfer to combustible material, the hot work site may be vacated, provided that at least 30 minutes have passed since completion of hot work. Both hot worker and fire watch must be in agreement that conditions outlined in this strategy have been satisfied prior to securing the fire watch. The 30 minute wait time may only be waived if the hot worker’s supervisor surveys the area and determines that no further fire hazard exists.

2. In high risk situations, the hot work area may require frequent inspections up to four hours after cessation of hot work. As previously noted, only HII-NNS will be assigned to fire watch HII- NNS hot work that is classified as high risk.

5.4.5 Fire Watch Equipment Requirements

1. Fire watches are required to obtain the fire extinguisher from the Fire Watch organization custodian prior to assuming fire watch duties. Each fire bottle will be serialized and the fire watch will sign it out. Fire watches shall have the extinguisher with them at all times while on fire watch and trained in its use and limitations.

2. Hose Clamps

(a) When performing fire watch duty involving a fuel gas torch, the fire watch will be provided a hose clamp on scene by the HII- NNS hot worker.

(b) During operations in confined spaces, a torch hose clamp must be placed around the hose immediately outside of the confined space for rapid use to shut off the gas in an emergency. As previously noted, only HII-NNS will be assigned to fire watch HII-NNS confined space hot work.

APPROVAL SIGNATURES:

Prepared by: LCDR Aaron Dausman, SUPSHIPNN, RCOH Assistant Project

Officer

Approved by: _ Signature on File Date: 11/27/17 T. Wright, HII-NNS RCOH, Program Director

Approved by: Signature on File Date: 11/7/2017

C. Scholle, SUPSHIPNN, RCOH Project Supervisor

Approved by: Signature on File Date: 11/20/17

R. Burgett, CNAL, RCOH Program Manager

Approved by: Signature on File Date: 11/20/17

M. Ryan, PMS312D, Assistant Program Manager

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RCOH-055 REV C

HOT WORK and FIRE WATCH STRATEGY ENCLOSURES

Enclosure 1: Hot Work LOE Chit

Foreman:

Fire Watch Issue(s)

Date/Time:

Reason HRS Charged to LOE

Department:

Fire watch did not show up at muster site

Fire watch did not return from break/lunch

Fire watch left the job

HII-NNS building fire containment

Compartment:

HII-NNS doing extensive equipment protection

Fire watch did not have a fire extinguisher

Fire watch did not have the required training

Fire watch did not have the proper PPE

Enclosure 2: SF Fire Watch Time Card

Enclosure 3: Required Conditions for not posting a Fire Watch for Low and Medium Risk Hot Work

Per section 5 of this strategy a fire watch is not required at the jobsite for low and medium risk hot work operations if in the judgment of the hot work supervisor no danger of fire or unanticipated damage could result from the hot work and no conditions exists from Chapter 4, part II a.1 of reference (a) as listed below:

(1) Slag, weld splatter, or sparks might pass through an opening in walls (bulkheads) or floors (decks) and cause a fire, unanticipated damage, or injury to personnel.

(2) Fire-resistant guards or curtains are not used to prevent ignition of combustible materials on or near decks, bulkheads, partitions, or overheads.

(3) Ordinary combustible materials consisting of trash and debris (e.g., rags, lunch bags, paper, cardboard) that are less than 35 feet to the hot work in horizontal and/or vertical (downward) directions cannot be removed, protected with flame-proof covers, or shielded with metal or fire-resistant guards or curtains.

(4) The hot work is carried out on or near insulation, combustible coatings, or sandwich-type construction that cannot be shielded, cut back, or removed, or in a space within a sandwich-type construction that cannot be inerted.

(5) Combustible materials adjacent to the opposite sides of bulkheads, decks, overheads, metal partitions, or sandwich-type construction may be ignited by conduction or radiation.

(6) The hot work is close enough to cause ignition through heat radiation or conduction on the following: (a) insulated pipes, bulkheads, decks, partitions, or overheads; or (b) combustible materials and/or coatings.

NOTE: Melting, blistering, or discoloration of insulation or cured hardened coating is not considered ignition.

(7) The work is close enough to unprotected combustible pipe or cable or foam or insulation or other materials to cause ignition.

(8) When required by a Certified Marine Chemist or Marine Chemist Office personnel or X18 Trades Supervisor or Fire Safety Administrator.

(9) Damage to equipment may result from the hot work.

(10) If, in the opinion of the hot work supervisor, a fire, injury, or damage could result unless additional assistance is provided to the hot worker to control work and or job site.

(11) Foreman shall not assign Fire Watch in lieu of protective controls being taken unless approved jointly by the X18 Supervisor and Marine Chemist.

(12) If conditions change that would dictate the need for a fire watch, the hot worker shall immediately stop hot work and notify foreman.

(13) The assignment of fire watch cannot be used in lieu of ensuring appropriate fire precautions have been taken to prevent fire. Certified Marine Chemist with joint approval of Fire Department and X18/Project management must approve any work in which fire is unavoidable and may be expected such as during some ship breaking operations.

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